The eastern Canadian province translates to New Scotland in Latin and is known for its coastal towns, water sports and incredible seafood.

Those with a sense of adventure, a taste for fresh fish, local wines and a passion for outdoors will be in their element surrounded by Nova Scotia’s picturesque fishing villages, sandy shores and food and wine trails.

Here, you can spend your days kayaking on the edge of the Atlantic or taking on the famous Bay of Fundy tides.

While evenings can consist of artisan wine under a blanket of stars or enjoying a locally-brewed beer in the bustling city of Halifax or the quirky university Town of Wolfville.

I found the best way to experience the province is by hiring a car.

Here’s the top things to do and places to eat and stay along the way...

DOWNTOWN: Stunning views of the city, Halifax (Image: BARBERSTOCK)

After picking up your car at the airport, drive just 30 minutes Downtown.

Once there I headed to the waterfront which often has live music and pop-up food stalls selling everything from lobster rolls to Poutine.

There’s also the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market - so make sure you check out timings if you’re interested.

The waterfront boardwalk hugs the harbour for 10 city blocks which follows the water’s edge, along it you will find Pier 21 – the Canadian Museum of Immigration – and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Halifax is also littered with small cafés in its side streets, perfect after shopping at Spring Garden Road or taking a stroll through Halifax Public Gardens.

It’s a foodie’s paradise with waterfront dining, international restaurants and pubs that brew their own beer so you can sample some local taps.

However, the best way to experience the city is via the Harbour Hopper Tour.

It’s Atlantic Canada’s most popular tour as it allows you to see the city by land and sea.

Located at Murphy’s Cable Wharf – the famous tourist attraction will have you sitting 10 feet high giving you unlimited views of the Citadel and St Paul’s Church, before splashing into the harbour itself.

A guide will talk you through Halifax’s history so you’ll be fully in the know before it’s time to enjoy one of the city’s food options again for dinner.

I stayed at The Westin Nova Scotian, which offers incredible room-views of the harbour, and features a gym, swimming pool, spa and entertainment.

The hotel’s restaurant – Elements on Hollis – is also a must try.

The breakfast menu offers everything from Buttermilk pancakes – which are made in front of you – to refreshing smoothies, Banana Bread French Toast and Eggs Nova, which come with Nova Scotia Smoked Salmon.

Dinner was also delicious, offering global dishes paired with local wines.

The Bay of Fundy to Annapolis Valley has been described as a place “where life is shaped by the sea and fertile soil”.

Once you’ve departed the Shubencadie Tidal Bore Rafting Resort head for Burntcoat Head Park, here – at low tide – it’s actually possible to walk the sea floor as the Bay of Fundy fills and empties its 160 billion tonnes of water twice a day.

Then, enjoy a drive through quiet neighbourhoods, patchwork fields and vineyards on route to the university Town of Wolfville.

It’s worth stopping at one of the many wineries to sample some of the local wines.

I made a lunch stop at Domaine de Grand Pre Winery which is one of the oldest in Nova Scotia and is the one of the best winery restaurants in the world, it really is clear to see why.

The Town of Wolfville was my final stop on day three, the university town is full of cute eateries and interesting bars – such as the Library Pub – where I sampled local beers and talked to students.

SEA FLOOR: Bay of Fundy at low tide (Image: MEGAN NISBET/DAILY STAR)

The houses, churches and shops in the small college town are colourful and picturesque and the whole place has an amazing vibe.

I stayed in the magnificent Blomidon Inn – a restored sea captain’s mansion which still emulates what it once was.

The Victorian-style interior is amazing, while the Inn itself sits in beautiful gardens.

The restaurant serves the best local fish and wine from nearby vineyards; Maritime Seafood Chowder, Maple Smoked Salmon and Steamed Mussels are all on the menu, as well as white, red and rosé options from Domaine de Grand Pre Winery and the surrounding vineyards.

Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Blue Rocks can all be experienced in a day if you’re short on time.

All three are beautiful in their own unique way and I’d highly recommend visiting each of them.

On route from Wolfville I headed to Mahone Bay, the route was so beautiful I actually stopped off a few times to take it all in.

Named one of Canada’s best small-town downtowns, Mahone Bay is as pretty as a postcard and was actually described by the New York Times as “pretty as a picture” so it’s definitely Instagram-worthy!

It’s dotted with cafés such as The Barn Coffee & Social House and The Biscuit Eater, both of which I tried; coffee in one, lunch in the other, both delicious.

Mahone Bay is also famous for its “three churches” which stand next to one another on the waterfront.

MAHONE BAY: The famous three churches stand proud on the waterfront (Image: BARBERSTOCK)

After breakfast I strolled through Old Town Lunenburg – which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site – and enjoyed the brightly painted waterfront, narrow streets, shops and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, which is also home to the famous racing schooner, Bluenose Two.

After that I ventured to my final stop before heading home, Peggy’s Cove.

Here a white and red lighthouse sits on worn-granite overlooking a tiny town of tangled fishing nets, sheds, colourful boats and shops.

It makes Peggy’s Cove one of the most photographed places in Canada and the place is bustling with tourists desperate to catch a glimpse.